Yoga/Pilates mat cover

ABSTRACT

An eco-friendly exercise mat cover for an exercise mat comprises a rectangular envelop made from a material with specific characteristics which renders the cover-mat combination useable in various environmental conditions. The cover comprises an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat. In an alternative embodiment, the exercise mat cover includes a carrying bag which may be used to conveniently transport the cover-mat combination.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is related to Yoga/Pilates mat covers including method of manufacture of same. In particular, an exercise mat cover for an exercise mat comprises a rectangular envelop made from a material with specific characteristics operative to easily receive the exercise mat. In an alternative embodiment, the exercise mat cover includes a carrying bag which may be used to conveniently transport the cover-mat combination.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a cover for exercise mats. Such mats are generally used when practicing Yoga and Pilates in gyms, studios, outdoors, and private classrooms. Pilates and Yoga mats are the same size. The standard Yoga and Pilates mat is 24 inches wide×68 inches long. Some are 24 inches wide×72 inches long for taller practitioners. The cover of the present invention maybe tailored to fit all Yoga mats and Pilates mats regardless of their dimensions.

Yoga and Pilates requires mostly only two things. The participant and a Yoga/Pilates mat. Yoga and Pilates mats are essential for safety. They protect the user from slipping while providing cushioning. In general, Yoga and Pilates mats need to be durable, odorless, and comfortable. Currently most Yoga and Pilates mats do not fulfill these requirements. The disadvantages of the existing mat covers are several. For instance, they contain a chemical odor or PVC which has a chemical odor and has also been shown to have hazardous to individual's health. They are also hard to clean needing to be scrubbed down and left to dry. A few that are machine washable still have to be left out over night to dry. They also emanate strong rubbery smell and retain odors. The existing mat covers also suffer from being easily worn out. While exercising, the user's sweat also renders the cover slippery and undesirable due to the retained odor.

Due to the above deficiencies of the Yoga and Pilates mats on the market today, a participant will bring a towel to their Yoga or Pilates class. The towel is placed over the mat to stop from slipping and to help keep the mat clean. Bringing a heavy towel is inconvenient and can create more work in cleaning. A towel also bunches and retains water causing slippage and difficulty in balancing. Even with a towel on top of the mat it still leaves the bottom of the mat unprotected thereby exposing it to the unsanitary conditions of the floor.

The mat cover of the present invention protects the mat used during Yoga and Pilates. The invention is a removable Yoga and Pilates mat cover made of two fabric panels together on all four sides with the opening on the bottom of the fabric cover. The mat fits between the two fabric panels when inserted into the bottom opening. The bottom opening is secured closed with a zipper to prevent the mat cover from coming off the mat. The cover tautly encloses all sides of the mat to first protect the mats durability. The eco friendly cover is also water and odor resistant protecting the mat from becoming slippery and retaining an odor.

In addition to the safety and durability the mat cover of the present invention, it is completely user friendly in every aspect. Having slits on the bottom, a mat easily fits into the cover and is then zipped into it. According to one aspect of the invention, attached at the end of the mat cover is a carrying bag that the mat inside the mat cover can roll right into, making the roll-and-go transportation of the mat cover convenient and easy. What makes the mat cover of the present invention a must for today's Yoga participants are that it's ease in cleaning. It is machine washable and dryable and doesn't require special treatment. Generally, participants' Yoga mats are quite expensive which can cost upwards of $200. The mat cover allows the original mat to remain protected and able to be used for years. The material used for the mat cover is a lightweight eco friendly fabric that is strong, comfortable, and prevents odors and water from soaking into the yoga mat. The bottom material used on our cover keeps the yoga mat from moving around.

Although various covers have been proposed, they do not provide solutions to the existing limitations in providing a vehicle cover with a distinctive look. For example, the Wechsler patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,816 entitled “Exercise mat ensemble and method of use” discloses an exercise mat ensemble for use in exercise disciplines such as yoga that involve floor exercises and positions. A vinyl padded sticky mat is covered with a sheet of washable absorbent fabric that overlays the sticky mat on all four sides. The fabric sheet may be extended at one transverse end with sufficient fabric that when folded over more than once it forms a cushion to aid in certain exercises and positions. When the fabric sheet is placed on top of the mat and the two are rolled together the fabric extension encloses the mat within the roll. The extension may also be stitched to form an envelope or stitched on each side to form channels into which drawstrings are placed, both capable of forming a case around the rolled mat and fabric sheet. A strap may be added to the ensemble to assist in certain exercises and positions and also to be incorporated into the rolled mat and fabric sheet for use as a carrying strap. The fabric extension may also be separate from the main fabric sheet to increase the number of fold possibilities, to provide added assistance for specific exercises and positions, and to serve as a meditation blanket. A sheath may be used to cushion the strap for ease of carrying. However, the Wechsler invention does not provide for a cover that is made from the specific properties as described below, it does not provide for an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat, and it may not be used in various environmental temperatures.

The Swanger et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,164 entitled “Nap Mat Cover” discloses a removable nap mat cover which is made of two fabric panels and has one end closed with an end fastener. The nap mat slips between the fabric panels. The end fastener secures the fabric panels together for about ⅔ of their width defining openings large enough for a person's hand to fit through. The end fastener prevents the nap mat cover from coming off the mat. The end fastener may be hook and loop fastener. However, the Swanger et al. invention does not provide for a cover that is made from the specific properties as described below, it does not provide for an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat, and it may not be used in various environmental temperatures.

The Pond patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,300 entitled “Mat Cover With Self Encased Pillow” discloses a mat cover which is constructed of an upper and lower panel having a mat therebetween, and a pillow containing pouch overlaying the upper panel, with the pillow containing pouch defined by a folded flap attached to the top edge and side portions of the lower panel. However, the Pond invention does not provide for a cover that is made from the specific properties as described below, it does not provide for an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat, and it may not be used in various environmental temperatures.

The Scott patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,530 entitled “Cover for Exercise Pad” discloses a washable fabric cover which fits over a folding exercise or rest mat or pad and can be folded with the pad inside into a compact package for carrying. The cover is a generally rectangular envelope having a head portion and a foot portion and is enclosed at the end of the head portion and along its opposed longitudinal sides and open at the end of the foot portion to form a top layer and a bottom layer of material. A pocket on the top layer at the head portion removably receives a pillow or other articles. A length of material extends outwardly from the open end to be folded over and substantially cover the top layer to serve as a blanket to cover a person laying on the covered pad and can be folded and received within the open end in a stored condition. A pair of flexible loops secured to the bottom layer form carrying straps when the cover and the enclosed pad is in the compact package for carrying. The cover with the enclosed pad is foldable accordion style such that the pocket is disposed on an outer side of the folded configuration or can be folded inwardly upon itself from each end such that the pocket is disposed on the inside of the folded configuration. Alternatively, the sheet portion may be removable and a second pocket may be provided on the bottom layer at the foot portion for storing the sheet portion or other articles. However, the Scott invention does not provide for a cover that is made from the specific properties as described below, it does not provide for an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat, and it may not be used in various environmental temperatures.

The Westgor patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,545 entitled “Combined Mat and Carrying Bag Unit” discloses a combination mat and carry bag unit which includes a sheet of pliable material defining a mat of size to accommodate a person thereon for use as an exercise mat, beach mat or the like. The sheet has a drawstring casing extending about its periphery. The casing has two openings therein on opposite sides of the mat and a drawstring is received in the drawstring casing and is of size to extend continuously about the periphery of the sheet when it defines a mat. The drawstring is slidably received in the drawstring casing so that when portions of the drawstring are pulled out of the drawstring casing through the two openings, the periphery of the sheet forms gathers adjacent the casing to permit the periphery to reduce in size whereby the unit forms a carrying bag. Those portions of the drawstring which are pulled out of the casing are secured together adjacent the openings to form a handle for the carrying bag. However, the Westgor invention does not provide for a cover that is made from the specific properties as described below, it does not provide for an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat, and it may not be used in various environmental temperatures.

The Crowne patent application, PCT Pat. App. No. PCT/US2010/040544 entitled “Exercise Mat” discloses an inventive mats system is provided in which a towel can be removed and changed when desired. The mat system can be manipulated into a rolled configuration. When rolled, a logo on the bottom of the base mat is visible. Elastic straps are used to keep the mat in the rolled configuration for easy toting and storage. However, the Crowne invention does not provide for a cover that is made from the specific properties as described below, it does not provide for an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat, and it may not be used in various environmental temperatures.

In brief, the above mentioned references disclose covers or variations thereof for mats that formed envelopes into which the mats had to be inserted at the end of the mat. The insertions cannot be accomplished quickly during the course of an exercise period. Other systems described secured mat covers which also cannot be quickly and easily removed and replaced. None of these references provide a mat with a water and odor resistant cover. A cover that is absorbent means that a person standing on their mat cover would be able to feel their perspiration under their feet and smell it. Also the person would be exposing themselves to bacteria and discomfort when lying down on the mat cover. The mat cover of the present invention is the only water and odor resistant cover. None also provide a simple mat and a cover which enables the cover to be easily removed and replaced during the exercise session. None of the above references can be used in all types of environments. Specifically, none can be used outdoor or inside a 105 degrees room. Furthermore, there is no need for solvents, sprays, or wipes because the mat cover of the present invention is machine washable and dryable.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a cover for an exercise mat is disclosed which comprises a substantially rectangular envelope made from a material that is nonabsorbent, water resistant, odor resistant, recyclable, and easily rolled onto itself. Specifically, the rectangular envelope includes an upper and a lower panel that are stitched along their perimeters but having a rectangular cut along two longitudinal sides and one transverse side which creates an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat within the cover. The flap includes one or more fastener to secure the mat inside the cover tightly so as to prevent unwanted movements. The cover and mat so assembled can be used in various environmental temperatures.

According to one preferred embodiment, the material is made from a washable fabric and maybe also dryable via a household drying machine.

According to one preferred embodiment, the rectangular cut is substantially long such that a total surface area of the opening flap is between 50% and 98% of the lower panel total surface area.

According to one preferred embodiment, the one or more fastener comprises at least one of a snap fastener, button fastener, zipper fastener, and hook and loop fastener.

According to one preferred embodiment, the exercise mat is one of a Yoga mat and Pilates mat.

According to one preferred embodiment, the cover further comprises a plurality of surface grippers operable to maintain the combination of the cover and mat in position and to resist movement.

According to one preferred embodiment, the cover further comprises an extended lip attachable to a carrying bag via one or more fasteners. Preferably, the carrying bag comprises a receiving port operable to receive the combination of the cover and mat when rolled. Preferably, the receiving port comprises one or more fastener operable to close the receiving port following placement of the rolled combination of the cover and mat inside the carrying bag.

In another aspect, a combination of a carrying bag and cover for an exercise mat is disclosed wherein the cover comprises a substantially rectangular envelope made from a material that is nonabsorbent, water resistant, odor resistant, recyclable, and easily rolled onto itself Specifically, the rectangular envelope includes an upper and a lower panel that are stitched along their perimeters but having a rectangular cut along two longitudinal sides and one transverse side which creates an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat within the cover. The flap includes one or more fastener to secure the mat inside the cover tightly so as to prevent unwanted movements. The cover further comprises an extended lip attachable to the carrying bag via one or more fasteners, the carrying bag includes a receiving port operable to receive a cover-mat combination of the cover and mat when rolled; and the receiving port comprises one or more fastener operable to close the receiving port following placement of the rolled cover-mat combination inside the carrying bag. The combination of the carrying bag and cover provides for convenient transportation of the cover-mat combination.

In another aspect, a method of making a cover for an exercise mat is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a substantially rectangular envelope made from a material that is nonabsorbent, water resistant, odor resistant, recyclable, and easily rolled onto itself and the rectangular envelop comprising an upper and lower panel. The method further includes stitching together the upper panel and lower panel along their entire perimeters and cutting the lower panel along two longitudinal sides and one transverse side to create an opening flap for easy placing and removal of the mat within the cover. The flap includes one or more fastener to secure the mat inside the cover tightly so as to prevent unwanted movements. The cover and mat so assembled can be used in various environmental temperatures.

According to one preferred embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing a plurality of surface grippers operable to maintain the combination of the cover and mat in position and to resist movement.

According to one preferred embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing an extended lip attachable to a carrying bag via one or more fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the cover and mat according to a preferred embodiment. The opening/closing flap is left open to show how a mat is placed into the pocket inserts on each side of the cover. Once placed in the pocket inserts the mat can be sealed up fully by taking each side zipper and zipping it up to the pocket insert and sealing shut with a Velcro or zipper.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the upper and lower panels of the rectangular envelop of the cover according to a preferred embodiment. It illustrates the top and bottom fabrics of the mat cover. The bottom shows a non-slip, non-absorbent fabric. The top shows a patterned fabric that is an eco-friendly, non-slip, and non-absorbent fabric that is pulled taut over the mat once the entire mat cover is sealed shut.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cover and mat according to a preferred embodiment. It illustrates the cover-mat combination when rolled up onto itself.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cover and mat according to a preferred embodiment. The opening/closing flap provides for easy placement and removal of the mat within the cover of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the cover and mat according to a preferred embodiment. The cover-mat combination is rolled out with the bottom facing up showing surface grippers on the bottom of the fabric.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of five (5) cover and mat according to a preferred embodiment. They are representations of Physical (1A), Energy (1B), Mental Health (1C), Wisdom (1D), and Bliss (1E).

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the combination of a carrying bag and cover and mat according to a preferred embodiment. It further depicts a removable snap on the carrying bag attached to one end of the cover for easy roll up and storage of the cover-mat combination in the carrying bag.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the combination of a carrying bag and cover and mat being carried by an individual according to a preferred embodiment. It further demonstrates the versatility of the cover and how the carrying bag may be attached and detached to the cover for easy roll up into the carrying bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a cover 101 covering a mat 102 according to a preferred embodiment. The cover 101 comprises a rectangular envelop 107 which is made up of an upper panel 108 and a lower panel 109. The lower panel 109 includes a rectangular cut along two longitudinal sides 105 and one transverse side 106 which provides for an opening flap 104. In an alternative embodiment, the cut is such that there are two pocket inserts 103 for guiding the mat 102 into the cover 101. The upper panel 108 and lower panel 109 are sewn together along their entire perimeter. The opening flap 104 comprises one or more fasteners along its two longitudinal sides 105 and transverse side 106. The cover 101 is made from a material having properties such as nonabsorbent, water resistant, odor resistant, recyclable, and rollable.

In one preferred embodiment, the mat 102 is a Yoga mat known to artisans of ordinary skill. Depending on the ratio of the surface area of the opening flap 104 to the surface area of the lower panel 109, there are two pocket inserts 103 to enable fast placement and removal of the mat 102 within the cover 101. The ratio between the two surface areas may range between 50% and 98% providing for different size pocket inserts 103 for different types of mat 102. The opening flap 104 includes two zippers along the two longitudinal sides 105 and Velcro along the transverse side 106.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a rectangular envelop 200 made up of an upper panel 208 and lower panel 207 of a cover such as the cover 101 in FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment. The upper panel 208 and lower panel 207 may be made from the same or different fabrics depending on the application. According to one embodiment, the upper panel 208 and lower panel 207 are both made from an eco-friendly, non-slip, and non-absorbent fabric and the upper panel 208 comprises a patterned design so as to be readily differentiated from the lower panel 207 identifying it as the side that should come into contact with the individual who is using the mat. The lower panel 207 may comprise surface grippers, described below, to maintain the mat in position and resist movement.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a cover-mat combination 300 comprising a cover 301 and mat 302 according to a preferred embodiment. The cover 301 comprises an upper panel 303 and lower panel 304 having two different designs for easy identification. The cover-mat combination 300 may be rolled onto itself with ease and the designs on the upper and lower panels can be used to choose the direction of roll. The cover 301 may further be made from fabrics that are machine washable and dryable.

FIG. 4 depicts another perspective view of a cover 401 and a mat 402 according to a preferred embodiment. The cover 401 comprises a rectangular envelop 407 which is made up of an upper panel 408 and a lower panel 409. The lower panel 409 includes a rectangular cut along two longitudinal sides 405 and one transverse side 406 which provides for an opening flap 404. The rectangular cut provides for two pocket inserts 403 for fast placement and removal of the mat 402 within the cover 401. The upper panel 408 and lower panel 409 are sewn together along their entire perimeter similar to that in FIG. 1. However, other manners of fastening the upper panel 408 to lower panel 409, known to artisans of ordinary skill, may be utilized.

The opening flap 404 comprises one or more fasteners along its two longitudinal sides 405 and transverse side 406, similar to that discussed above in relation with FIGS. 1-3. In this preferred embodiment, only one zipper is used along the entire cut. The cover 401 is made from a material having properties such as nonabsorbent, water resistant, odor resistant, recyclable, and rollable. FIG. 4 illustrates how easily the mat 402 may be removed from the cover 401 by providing the opening panel 404 whose size maybe varied by varying the size of the cut of the lower panel 409 to accommodate different types of exercise mat being used.

FIG. 5 depicts a prospective view of a cover-mat combination 500 rolled onto itself according to a preferred embodiment. The cover-mat combination 500 comprises a cover 508 which further comprises a plurality of surface grippers 509. According to one preferred embodiment, the surface grippers 509 may include a logo or a design that bares the trademark of the cover manufacturer.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of five (5) cover and mat combinations 600 according to a preferred embodiment. The upper panel of each cover comprises a different design representing the five sheaths or Koshas associated with yoga philosophy. These five Koshas represent the five different layers described in the ancient practice of yoga, known to artisans of ordinary skill. These Koshas are the physical sheath, three layers of the subtle body: the pranamaya kosha, or vital energy sheath; the manomaya kosha, or mental sheath; and the vijnanamaya kosha, or wisdom sheath, and a deeper sheath is the anandamaya kosha, the bliss sheath. The upper panel of the cover of the present invention may bare the design of the five different Koshas enabling the users to express themselves according to the chosen design.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a combination 711 of a carrying bag 712, cover 701, and mat 702 according to a preferred embodiment. The cover 701 comprises an extended lip 709 that can be attached to the carrying bag 712 via one or more fasteners 703. The carrying bag 712 comprises a receiving port 710 that can be utilized to place the rolled cover-mat combination into the carrying bag 712. The receiving port 710 comprises one or more fastener 704 which can be used to close the receiving port 710 following placement of the rolled cover-mat combination inside the carrying bag 712. The carrying bag 712 comprises a strap that maybe used by an individual for easy transportation of the combination 711.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a combination 800 of a carrying bag 811 containing a cover and mat inside it and carried by an individual according to a preferred embodiment. The carrying bag comprises additional pockets 812 for carrying miscellaneous personal items such as keys or wallets.

The foregoing discloses an eco-friendly exercise mat cover for an exercise mat. The cover is made from a material with specific characteristics which is lightweight fabric that is strong, comfortable, and prevents odors and water from soaking into the mat. The cover-mat combination is useable in various environmental temperatures. The cover comprises an opening flap for easy placement and removal of the mat. In one instance, the exercise mat cover includes a carrying bag which may be used to conveniently transport the cover-mat combination.

The foregoing explanations, descriptions, illustrations, examples, and discussions have been set forth to assist the reader with understanding this invention and further to demonstrate the utility and novelty of it and are by no means restrictive of the scope of the invention. It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which are intended to define the scope of this invention. 

1. A cover for an exercise mat, comprising a substantially rectangular envelope made from a material comprising the following properties: (a) nonabsorbent; (b) water resistant; (c) odor resistant; (d) capable of being recycled; and (e) capable of being rolled; said rectangular envelope comprising an upper panel, having an upper panel total surface area, and a lower panel, having a lower panel total surface area, said upper panel and lower panel stitched together along their entire perimeters; said lower panel comprising a substantially rectangular cut along two longitudinal sides and one transverse side so as to provide an opening flap for easily placing and removing the mat; and said opening flap comprising one or more fastener along the two longitudinal sides and one transverse side so as to tightly secure the mat inside the rectangular envelop thereby preventing the mat from unwanted movements within the rectangular envelop; wherein the cover provides for fast placement and removal of the mat within the cover and wherein a combination of the cover and mat is utilizable in various environmental temperatures.
 2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the material comprises a washable fabric.
 3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the washable fabric is dryable via a household drying machine.
 4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the rectangular cut is substantially long such that a total surface area of the opening flap is between 50% and 98% of the lower panel total surface area.
 5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the one or more fastener comprises at least one of a snap fastener, button fastener, zipper fastener, and hook and loop fastener.
 6. The cover of claim 1, wherein the exercise mat is one of a Yoga mat and Pilates mat.
 7. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of surface grippers operable to maintain the combination of the cover and mat in position and to resist movement.
 8. The cover of claim 1, further comprising an extended lip attachable to a carrying bag via one or more fasteners.
 9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the carrying bag comprises a receiving port operable to receive the combination of the cover and mat when rolled.
 10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the receiving port comprises one or more fastener operable to close the receiving port following placement of the rolled combination of the cover and mat inside the carrying bag.
 11. A combination of a carrying bag and a cover for an exercise mat, said cover comprising a substantially rectangular envelope made from a material comprising the following properties: (a) nonabsorbent; (b) water resistant; (c) odor resistant; (d) capable of being recycled; and (e) capable of being rolled; said rectangular envelope comprising an upper panel, having an upper panel total surface area, and a lower panel, having a lower panel total surface area, said upper panel and lower panel stitched together along their entire perimeters; said lower panel comprising a substantially rectangular cut along two longitudinal sides and one transverse side so as to provide an opening flap for easily placing and removing the mat; said opening flap comprising one or more fastener along the two longitudinal sides and one transverse side so as to tightly secure the mat inside the rectangular envelop thereby preventing the mat from unwanted movements within the rectangular envelop; said cover comprising an extended lip attachable to the carrying bag via one or more fasteners; said carrying bag comprising a receiving port operable to receive a cover-mat combination of the cover and mat when rolled; and said receiving port comprising one or more fastener operable to close the receiving port following placement of the rolled cover-mat combination inside the carrying bag; wherein the combination of the carrying bag and cover provides for convenient transportation of the cover-mat combination.
 12. A method of making a cover for an exercise mat, comprising: (a) providing a substantially rectangular envelope made from a material comprising the following properties: i. nonabsorbent; ii. water resistant; iii. odor resistant; iv. capable of being recycled; and v. capable of being rolled; said rectangular envelop comprising an upper panel, having an upper panel total surface area, and a lower panel, having a lower panel total surface area; (b) stitching together the upper panel and lower panel along their entire perimeters; and (c) cutting said lower panel along two longitudinal sides and one transverse side to provide for a substantially rectangular cut so as to create an opening flap for easily placing and removing the mat; said opening flap comprising one or more fastener along the two longitudinal sides and one transverse side so as to tightly secure the mat inside the rectangular envelop thereby preventing the mat from unwanted movements within the rectangular envelop; wherein the cover provides for fast placement and removal of the mat within the cover and wherein a combination of the cover and mat is utilizable in various environmental temperatures.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the rectangular cut is substantially long such that a total surface area of the opening flap is between 50% and 98% of the lower panel total surface area.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more fastener comprises at least one of a snap fastener, button fastener, zipper fastener, and hook and loop fastener.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the exercise mat is one of a Yoga mat and Pilates mat.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: (d) providing a plurality of surface grippers operable to maintain the combination of the cover and mat in position and to resist movement.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: (d) providing an extended lip attachable to a carrying bag via one or more fasteners.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the carrying bag comprises a receiving port operable to receive the combination of the cover and mat when rolled.
 19. The cover of claim 18, wherein the receiving port comprises one or more fastener operable to close the receiving port following placement of the rolled combination of the cover and mat inside the carrying bag.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more fastener comprises at least one of a snap fastener, button fastener, zipper fastener, and hook and loop fastener. 